Ayurveda considers nails as the waste product of the bones.
If the nails are dry, crooked, rough and break easily, it indicated a predominance of the
vata constitution. Soft, pink, tender nails that are easily bent are indication of a Pitta
constitution. When the nails are thick, strong, soft and very shiny, then Kapha
predominates.

Longitudinal lines on the nails indicate
mal-absorption in
the digestive system. Transverse grooves on the nails may indicate the presence of
long-standing illness or malnutrition.